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Mbombela - Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo was rushing to prepare for his own wedding when he was arrested for speeding on Good Friday.

Mhlongo, who spoke to a News24 correspondent on Tuesday morning, confirmed he was arrested in Johannesburg while doing 173km/h.

“This incident also affected me over the weekend because it was my wedding and I woke up on Sunday morning only to see stories about [the arrest] because most people think I was drinking, which is not the case,” said Mhlongo.

“I’m happy to tell my side of the story because no one called me to hear me out. Before this call I had no platform to share my side of the story and apologise to all South Africans. I was getting married over the weekend, so I was not in a good state of mind because I wanted to sort things out quickly, rush, rush.”

Mhlongo said he was rushing to Protea Glen, where he was to wed his fiancée, Dimakatso Marene.

‘I was wrong’

He said the need to reach his destination in time was not an excuse for speeding.

“This does not justify my actions. I was wrong and I was not supposed to do what I did. I feel it was a silly incident because I was stressed out as I had wedding preparations. I was rushing for a meeting around 8am to 9am coming from my place rushing to Protea Glen. I was running late to complete the preparations for the wedding,” he said.

Contrary to reports given to Transport Minister Dipuo Peters that Mhlongo would be kept in custody until his court appearance, Mhlongo said he was luckily released and was able to wed the love of his life.

“All I can say to the public is that I was wrong. It is very bad, especially when it is done by us young stars. We are supposed to be role models and obviously we lost players due to accidents… I am very sorry for my actions, I have learnt from this mistake,” said Mhlongo.

The star goalkeepr added that they do receive road safety workshops at his club, Orlando Pirates.

Mhlongo will be appearing in the Brixton Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg on Wednesday on charges of driving over the speed limit.

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